Pediatric Arthrogyposis

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What Is Arthrogryposis?

Arthrogryposis describes a group of congenital disorders that cause joint and muscle deformities. Babies with arthrogryposis are born with contracted, stiff joints and underdeveloped muscles. Although arthrogryposis does not worsen over time, it can cause further joint deformities if untreated.

What Causes Arthrogryposis?

Several conditions involving lack of movement during fetal development may cause arthrogryposis, including:

Abnormal muscle development

Problems in the development of the nervous system and spinal cord

Overgrowth of connective tissue around joints

Improper growth of tendons, joints, and bones

Inherited genetic mutations can cause some types of arthrogryposis, as can certain maternal problems during pregnancy:

Limited space for the fetus to move, caused by an abnormally shaped uterus or amniotic fluid leakage